15 easy holiday sides you can prep early this Christmas

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When Christmas starts getting packed with things to handle, having 15 easy holiday sides you can prep early feels like a small relief. I lean on ideas like these when I want the table to look festive without needing to rush through the day. They work well for simple gatherings or those moments when you’re bringing a dish to share and want something dependable.

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If there’s one dish that feels like the heart of a holiday gathering, it’s this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole. There’s something about the creamy, comforting texture that instantly makes everyone feel right at home. It’s the side that people politely scoop small portions of at first, only to come back for seconds, or thirds. Whether it’s alongside a roast or paired with baked ham, this dish blends seamlessly into any festive spread.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Cheesy Potato Casserole

Potato Casserole being served.
Cheesy Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This Cheesy Potato Casserole is like a warm hug in food form. It strikes that perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity, making it a standout holiday side. You’ll find it hard not to smile when everyone immediately comments on that golden top before they even taste it. The beauty of a dish like this is that no matter what else is on the table, it manages to feel like the star.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Potato Casserole

Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Casserole dish with Brussels sprouts, crispy onions, cheese, and herbs, mixed with a spoon.
Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When this Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole hits the table, you’ll see even the skeptics load up their plates. This dish has a way of changing minds about Brussels sprouts; it’s rich, creamy, and feels a little unexpected in the best way possible. Whether it’s served for a small family dinner or a bigger holiday party, you’ll always hear someone commenting on how surprisingly good it is.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Cheesy cauliflower casserole in a white dish with spoons.
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re looking for a side that’s rich and hearty without being too heavy, this Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole hits the mark. It’s one of those dishes that feels a bit underrated until people start realizing just how much flavor it brings to the table. Once served, it always seems to get as much attention as the mains, and sometimes more than that. There’s something special about a holiday side that’s loved by kids, adults, and everyone in between.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Green Bean and Bacon Casserole

A baked casserole topped with chopped bacon, crispy onions, and melted cheese, featuring visible green peppers and a creamy sauce.
Green Bean and Bacon Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

This Green Bean and Bacon Casserole is always one of those dishes that disappears faster than you expect. There’s just something about the smoky, savory flavors that makes it hard to pass up. It’s the perfect addition to any holiday table, bringing a mix of freshness and indulgence in every bite. This recipe is one of those crowd favorites that keeps people talking long after dinner, simply because it’s that delicious.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean and Bacon Casserole

Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes

An oven dish with baked dauphinoise potatoes in it.
Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

There’s a subtle elegance that comes with these Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes. While it’s undeniably comforting and creamy, it also adds a touch of sophistication to the holiday table. People always comment on how each bite feels indulgent yet refined. This dish complements just about anything on the spread without ever stealing the spotlight; yet it’s still the one everyone remembers.
Get the Recipe: Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes

Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

A white dish with roasted root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, red onions, and sweet potatoes, garnished with fresh dill and thyme.
Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

It’s hard not to love how this Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables brightens up a holiday table. Not only do they add a pop of gorgeous color, but the simplicity of the dish makes it such a refreshing change from heavier sides. It’s perfect for bringing balance to the plate while still being flavorful enough to stand out. It’s one of those sides that just feels effortlessly warm and inviting.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice-baked potatoes topped with melted cheese and chopped green onions on a baking sheet.
Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

There’s no better way to get everyone excited about a holiday meal than setting out these Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. These are serious crowd-pleasers, thanks to the mix of comfort and richness in every bite. Whether they’re piled high on a platter or nestled alongside the main dishes, you’ll notice them disappearing quicker than you can blink. If you’re aiming for something that feels indulgent and celebratory, this side fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

A close-up of a cheesy, baked casserole topped with bacon and chopped green onions, with a serving being lifted out, showing melted cheese stretching.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

If ever a dish captured everything we love about hearty holiday food, it’s this Twice Baked Potato Casserole. It’s the kind of side that feels both comforting and impressive, especially when it’s served in a big, bubbling dish. Even those who “just want a little taste” seem to end up with a full serving. This is the kind of recipe that gets those nostalgic nods at the table, with everyone agreeing it’s a must-have at future gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Savory Cornbread Stuffing

A metal spatula lifts a serving of baked stuffing topped with chopped parsley from a white casserole dish.
Savory Cornbread Stuffing. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

This Savory Cornbread Stuffing is one of those dishes that feels like a classic holiday staple. It’s the kind of side that makes every plate just a little heartier and more satisfying. The texture is the perfect mix of soft and crumbly, something that pairs effortlessly with roasted meats or gravy-laden vegetables. This dish fits right in without overpowering everything else; just like a holiday side should.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing

Sourdough Stuffing

A close-up of a serving of bread stuffing with chopped herbs, lifted from a baking dish.
Sourdough Stuffing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bring a little something special to the table, thanks to its unmistakable texture and flavor of this Sourdough Stuffing. It’s the kind of dish that might feel familiar, yet still manages to stand out among more traditional sides. People tend to notice how it adds just the right amount of depth to their holiday plate, pulling everything together in a way that feels timeless.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing

Savory Bread Stuffing

A close-up of a casserole dish filled with stuffing made of bread cubes, cranberries, chopped herbs, and celery.
Savory Bread Stuffing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

There’s something classic and comforting about this Savory Bread Stuffing. It’s simple, hearty, and always feels right at home with whatever else is on the holiday menu. People often comment on how it pulls the whole plate together, adding those warm, familiar flavors you expect from a holiday meal. It’s the kind of dish everyone eagerly anticipates when the kitchen starts to smell like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bread Stuffing

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

A plate of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with pine nuts on parchment paper.
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Serving these Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze is an easy way to bring a little elegance and freshness to the holiday menu. Even those who don’t usually reach for vegetables find themselves going back for seconds. This dish balances sweetness and subtle tang in a way that keeps everyone coming back for more; it’s one of those sides nobody forgets.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Rich Creamed Spinach

A bowl of creamy spinach topped with grated cheese, being stirred with a spoon.
Rich Creamed Spinach. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s a certain warmth that comes with serving this Rich Creamed Spinach at a holiday meal. It’s one of those sides that feels indulgent without being overwhelming, a perfect balance that keeps everyone happy. One thing’s for sure, when this dish is on the table, plates rarely come back with leftovers. It’s the side that quietly steals hearts without ever making a big fuss, and that alone makes it worth serving every chance you get.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the kind of dish that brings people together during the holidays. There’s something about those golden layers and creamy texture that just feels so satisfying. It’s a trusty favorite, often getting more attention than even the most festive mains. Once you bring this to the dinner table, you’ll notice people commenting on how it’s everything a holiday side is supposed to be: rich, cozy, and unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

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